Training and Continuing Education

September 11, 2020

Level II

Pursuant to TAC 35.141 the Level II Training Course and test is required of all* non-commissioned security officers, commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. This training course must either be administered by a licensed Level III or Level IV Training School and taught by a licensed Level III or Level IV Instructor, or it may be administered by a licensed guard company and taught by a representative or employee of the company.

*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b)

Level III

The Level III Training Course (minimum 45 hours) and test (including course of fire) is required for all* commissioned security officers and personal protection officers. This training course must be administered by a licensed Level III Training School and taught by a licensed Level III Instructor. The demonstration of firearm proficiency must be completed within 90 days of the application date.

*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b)

Level IV

The Level IV Training Course (minimum 15 hours) and test is required for all* personal protection officers. This training course must be administered by a licensed Level IV Training School and administered by a licensed Level IV Instructor.

*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b)

Firearm Proficiency

Commissioned security officers shall submit a firearms proficiency certificate along with the renewal application. Commissioned security officers and personal protection officers shall complete six (6) hours of continuing education. This training course must be administered by a licensed Level III Training School and taught by a licensed Level III Instructor. The demonstration of firearm proficiency must be completed within 90 days of the renewal application date.

*Certain Peace Officers may be exempt per TAC 35.141(b)

Continuing Education

An application to renew an individual license, may not be submitted until the required minimum hours of department approved continuing education credits have been earned in accordance with TAC 35.161. Proof of the required continuing education must be maintained by the employer and contained in the personnel file of the individual license holder's employing company. All individual license holders shall indicate they have completed the required minimum hours of department approved continuing education credits on their application for renewal.

All continuing education credits must be earned through department approved continuing education schools. Additionally, licensed companies with ten (10) or more licensed employees may make a written request for a letter of exemption allowing them to provide continuing education to those employees.